June 10, 2008 Agenda
ORDERS OF THE DA Y
FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 10,2008- 9:00A.M
PAGE # ORDER
1st Meeting Called to Order
2nd Adoption of Minutes - for the meeting of May 27, 2008
3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations
PRESENTATIONS:
9:00 a.m. Margaret Lyle Retirement Recognition - 29 years at Bobier Villa
DELEGATIONS:
2-3 9:05 a.m. Sandra Datars Bere, Director of Ontario Works and Social
Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, re: Additional Funding for
Rent Bank (attachment)
4-8 11 :00 a.m. William Tucker, Director, Tracy Grant and Frank Exley, Trustees,
Thames Valley District School Board, Surplus Space, Solutions re: Closure
of Rural Schools (attachments)
Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council"
Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff
Council Correspondence - see attached
1) Items for Consideration
2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
OTHER BUSINESS
1) Statements/Inquiries by Members
2) Notice of Motion
3) Matters of Urgency
9th In-Camera Items (see separate agenda)
10th Recess
11th Motion to Rise and Report
12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole
56 13th Consideration of By-Laws
14th ADJOURNMENT
5th
9-38 6th
7th
39-43
44-55
8th
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
REMINDER: Please remember to bring your Councillor Workload Survey for
March, April and May to hand in. Thank you
NOTICES:
June 24, 2008 9:00 A.M. - County Council Meeting
July 22, 2008 9:00 a.m. - County Council Meeting at Elgin Manor
July 22nd Outside Board ReportinQ: St. Thomas-EIQin General Hospital - Councillor Marks
TIlR CORPORATION OF TIlE CITY Of
ST. THOMAS" ELGIN
ONTARIO WORKS
423 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5P ICl
ST. THOi'vIAS
IReport No. OWEC07-0al
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Sandra Datars Bere, Director
St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works & Social Housing
MEETING DATE:
June 10, 2008
SUBJECT:
Additional Funding for Rent Bank
Recommendation:
THAT: Report OWEC07-08 is received as information.
BackClround:
The City of St. Thomas and the Province first entered into a Rent Bank Agreement on
November 24, 2004 (Report CR-04-09) when an original allocation of $71,475 was
received from the Province for st. Thomas and Elgin County. Since then, the Fund was
topped up with additional allocations of $30,640 in March 2006, $38,328 in March
2007, and now $52,955 for 2008. Total funding received from the Province under the
Rent Bank Program, therefore, has been $193,398 since 2004, including the recent
top-up. Guidelines and eligibility criteria for Rent Bank assistance, developed in 2004,
will continue to be applicable to any new applicants.
The top-up amount was based on a combination of criteria including this area's
proportion of population, core housing need, number of rental households, and the
reported 2007 Rent Bank expenditures and balance for SI. Thomas and Elgin.
Under the Rent Bank Agreement. the City is required to report quarterly, semi-
annually, and annually to the Province on such information as the number of
households assisted, the income sources of those households assisted, the total dollar
amount spent on assistance, the average amount of assistance per household, the
dollar amount of the provincial allocation used for administrative costs (maximum
10%), the amount of money paid back to the Rent Bank program, the balance of the
fund on December 31 sl , tenant stability over 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24- month periods, and
an audited statement to account for revenues and expenditures.
Overall results for St. Thomas and Elgin County from 2004 to December 31, 2007
indicate the Rent Bank has been used to help 150 households with the payment of
rent arrears at an average level of assistance of $858 per household.
The Province had commissioned an independent review of the Rent Bank Program in
January 2008. Among a number of recommendations in the report, it was suggested that
the Provincial Rent Bank be made permanent and predictable through an annual funding
allocation. No decisions on permanent funding have yet been announced by the Province.
In the meantime, staff is pleased with this receipt of 2008 top-up funding and the potential
tie-in with the Province's current Poverty Reduction Initiative.
Update:
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Jim Watson, announced in early May 2008 that
provincial Rent Bank funding would continue in 2008. As a result, an allocation for the Sf.
Thomas - Elgin County area in the amount of $52,955 was received from the Province by
electronic funds transfer to the City's bank account on May 20, 2008.
This announcement of additional funding was welcome news and was also very timely, as
the local Rent Bank, administered by the Ontario Works Department, was depleted as of
April 2008.
The Rent Bank serves to help prevent homelessness by ensuring the housing stability of low-
income tenants who are in danger of losing their accommodations due to rent arrears.
Eligible tenants are entitled to receive Rent Bank assistance to pay for up to two months' of
rent arrears. Payments are made directly to landlords. This Fund is an important and much-
needed homelessness prevention tool, particularly at this time with a downturn in the
economy creating financial stresses on residents of the community.
2
I would like to confirm that Bill Tucker, Director of Education will be attending the meeting on
June 10 at 11 :00 a.m. Mr Tucker is also pleased to join Council for lunch following the
meeting.
In terms of a presentation topics, the following topics are suggested:
1. Introductions
2. Issues Regarding Surplus Space
3. Possible Solutions
4. How the Thames Valley District School Board and County Council can partner
5. Questions/Comments
Please find attached a memo to Attorney General Chris Bentley and a letter to Dr. Charles
Pascal, Early Learning Advisor, Atkinson Foundation. Mr. Tucker will be addressing this
correspondence at the meeting.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
Theresa Levschuk
Executive Assistant to the Director
Thames Valley District School Board
1250 Dundas Street
London, Ontario N6A 5L 1
Ph: 519-452-2000 ext. 20222 Fax: 519-452-2396
email: t.Ievschuk@tvdsb.on.ca
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Thames Valley District School Board
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
MEMO TO: Chris Bentley, Attorney General
FROM:
Bill Tucker, Director of Education
SUBJECT: EARLY LEARNING
DATE:
2008 April 08
Dear Chris:
Please find attached the information and thoughts that I shared with Dr. Charles Pascal.
Further to those initial notes, I think it is prudent to mention that I also believe there are
three criteria that must be met in order for meaningful partnerships to be considered.
They are (in no prioritized order):
1) sustainable
2) beneficial to all partners - even with/after capital improvements and
3) must, at the end of the day realize tax dollar savings and/or efficiencies for
the general population
Saying this, I believe it is important for me to comment that, looking at these three
criteria, it would still be necessary for the Board to consolidate some schools around the
system. That is, despite best efforts, some communities may still face closure because
the school cannot engage in any meaningful community partnership according to the
stated parameters.
Also, I believe it is worthwhile to note that dollars saved in one area of the Board
because of a closure can be used to support small community schools elsewhere in the
same district.
Thank you again Chris for the breakfast. I remain available to answer any questions
that you have and can be reached at 519-452-2000 ext. 20001 or on my cell at 519-
476-5753.
BILL TUCKER
Director of Education
BT/tl
COpy
2008 March 05
Dr. Charles Pascal
Early Learning Advisor
Atkinson Foundation
1 Young Street, Suite 1508
Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E5
Dear Dr. Pascal:
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you last Tuesday, February 26th. It
was especially enjoyable to dialogue with you over lunch and converse with a
variety of community stakeholders.
You asked me to document, as briefly as possible, the issues I presented during
our noon hour discussions. Please find below a summary of the issues/ideas
that I shared with the group.
. I see the school as a community hub that incorporates a number of
partnerships within the school building.
. As a specific example, an elementary school such as Lorne Avenue is
33% occupied by neighbourhood students. However most, if not all, of its
classrooms are used by community partners (physician, YMCA daycare,
Cooking for Kids, Adult ESL, Forest City School classes). So, even with
the classrooms full of other programs, the Ministry of Education (EDU) still
reports Lorne Avenue Public School having 67% of its space surplus.
According to the EDU formula the Board uses, Lorne Avenue has the
Board's highest percentage of unused, surplus space and thus by
extension, the lowest occupancy rate.
. I am currently discussing with London Public Library (LPL) staff the
potential of having a local branch relocate to Lorne Avenue. The LPL
would like to close the Crouch Library (very close to Lorne Ave and
severely underutilized), sell its property and reinvest proceeds of the sale
into a community library at Lorne Avenue Public School. The CEO of the
LPL and I see this as a win-win for many reasons.
. Is it possible for the Ministry of Education and the TVDSB to initiate a pilot
project that would recognize any surplus school space leased to a
community partner (or sold - ie. co-ownership?) and have it not included
in surplus classroom calculations? I believe that this approach would
promote partnership development and totally change the dynamics of
Accommodation Review Committees as they examine the possibilities of
school closures.
. To evolve further, I believe that there needs to be Ontario government
funding incentives for community partnerships in schools.
. School Boards and Municipal leaders need to work together to develop
common goals that are directly related to the vitality of communities.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you again for this opportunity to share some
of my meanderings. I remain committed to exploring ways that schools and
communities can partner to offer students and their families a "better way of
doing things". It is my firm belief that there is a wealth of untapped potential that
can be found by a variety of government agencies working together, specifically
the Ministries of Education, Health and Children and Youth Services.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of
assistance.
Sincerely,
BILL TUCKER
Director of Education
BT/tI
DRAFT
COUNTY OF ELGIN
WHEREAS there are schools in the County of Elgin that are part of the public school
system and that are currently or may in the future be under review for possible closure;
and
WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin is concerned about the
impact that the closure of these schools as centres of social, cultural and recreational
activity would have on the communities in which they are situated; and
WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the concept that
the municipal and educational sectors should work together to maintain and develop the
role of schools as community hubs for social, cultural and recreational activity in addition to
their traditional educational functions;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. The Minister of Education be requested to investigate ways to promote community
partnerships in the use of school facilities.
2. The Minister of Education be requested to review its funding policies for school
facilities so that surplus school space may be used by community partners (with
funding from the community partner) and the space so used not be included as
surplus/vacant space in the determination of occupancy rates in a way that negatively
affects funding for school facilities and thereby promotes school closures.
3. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO) be requested to study the development of community partnerships in
the use of school facilities from the municipal perspective and look for ways to maintain
and enhance the role of schools as centres for community social, cultural, recreational
and other activities.
4. The Council of the County of Elgin support the concept that community partnerships for
the use of school facilities be developed that are:
a) Sustainable,
b) Beneficial to local communities,
and
c) Will achieve efficiencies and cost savings when considered from the perspective of
the community as a whole.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF
JUNE 10. 2008
Staff Reports - (ATTACHED)
10 Director of Financial Services - Public Health - Refund of Surplus
11 Director of Financial Services - Budget Comparison - April 30, 2008
15 Manager of Cultural Services - Library Internet Use Policy Updates
21 Chief Administrative Officer - County Planning
28 Chief Administrative Officer - Progress on Road Maintenance and Capital Needs Study
30 Manager of Road Infrastructure, Purchasing Co-Coordinator - Buck's Bridge Deck
Rehabilitation
32 Manager of Road Infrastructure - Tourism Signage
37 Manager of Road Infrastructure - Crane Usage on County Roads
9
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services
DATE:
May 21, 2008
SUBJECT: Public Health - Refund of Surplus
CORPORATE GOAL REFERENCED:
To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability~
INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION:
Elgin St. Thomas Public Health refunded to the County $69,667.41 as a result of a surplus
in their financial statements. Staff suggests that the refund be recorded as revenue to the
Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Elgin St. Thomas Public Health surplus funds in the amount of $69,667.41 be
credited to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved for S_ubmission
/"-~
~~~~
Linda B. Veger /
Director of Financial Services
Mark G. Bema!
Chief Administrative Officer
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services
DATE:
May 22, 2008
SUBJECT:
Budget Comparison - April 30, 2008
Corporate Goal Referenced:
To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Introduction:
Attached is the budget comparison to April 30, 2008 for the County operating departments.
Discussion:
The departmental totals are reasonable for the fourth month of the year. It is still early to
see any trends.
Corporate Expenditures - the insurance premium is already paid increasing the percent of
budget up to 49.78% to April 30. Also a payment has not been made as yet for doctor
recruitment.
Engineering - maintenance payments are made early in the year to assist the
municipalities with snow clearing thereby increasing that budget to 47.07% to April 30.
Overall the three Homes are in a positive position. The increases in revenues will start
flowing in April.
Recommendation:
THAT the report titled Budget Comparison - April 30, 2008 and dated May 22, 2008 be
received and filed.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved fo
'on
(4 A, ' J"
{.'>l~v.A/J:;."u-<./
Linda B. Veger t7'
Director of Financial Services
Mark G. c
Chief Administrative Officer
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Departmental Budget
Comparisons
For The 4 Periods Ending April 30, 2008
Total YTD YTD Variance %OF
Budget Budget Actual () Budget
Warden & Council
Wages 197,980 65,993 65,723 270
Benefits 38,900 12,967 2,654 10,313
Operations 74,275 37,125 37,914 (789)
Total 311,155 116,085 106,292 9,793 34.16%
Administrative Services
Wages 286,923 88,946 88,637 309
Benefits 70,519 21,861 23,039 (1,178)
Operations 16,300 5,433 7,332 (1,899)
Total 373,742 116,240 119,009 (2,768) 31.84%
Financial Services
Wages 336,733 104,387 106,128 (1,741)
Benefits 79,754 24,724 27,317 (2,594)
Operations 17,332 5,777 6,046 (268)
Total 433,819 134,888 139,491 (4,603) 32.15%
Human Resources
Wages 338,486 104,931 101,409 3,522
Benefits 82,445 25,605 20,797 4,808
Operations 17,800 5,933 6,664 (731)
Total 438,731 136,469 128,870 7,599 29.37%
Administration Building
Wages 202,630 62,815 56,653 6,162
Benefits 48,848 15,143 14,327 816
Operations 123,280 41,093 20,Q42 21,052
Total 374,758 119,051 91,022 28,029 24.29%
Corporate Expenditures
Insurance 259,000 226,022 221,990 4,032
Telephone 35,000 11,667 11,613 53
Legal & Professional 162,000 54,000 23,694 30,306
Retiree Benefits 18,000 6,000 5,435 565
Other Expenditures 90,675 30,225 18,354 11,871
Total 564,675 327,914 281,087 46,827 49.78%
Engineering
Wages 274,910 85,222 81,524 3,698
Benefits 62,633 19,416 21,656 (2,240)
Operations 68,800 22,933 18,185 4,749
Maintenance 2,645,542 1,340,271 1,315,121 25,150
Total 3,051,885 1,467,843 1 ,436,486 31,357 47.07%
Agriculture
Fees Revenue 0 0 0 0
Operations 34,500 8,675 8,402 273
Total 34,500 8,675 8,402 273 24.35%
Elgin Manor
Revenues (4,793,451) (1,597,817) (1,582,030) (15,787)
Wages 4,385,801 1,359,598 1,319,814 39,784
Benefits 1,185,466 367,494 363,236 4,258
Operations 1,009,930 336,643 198,315 138,328
Total 1,787,746 465,919 299,336 166,583 16.74%
Terrace Lodge
Revenues (5,396,941 ) (1,798,980) (1,780,880) (18,100)
Wages 4,582,460 1,420,562 1,456,621 (36,059)
Benefits 1,121,433 347,644 393,899 (46,255)
Operations 1,136,675 378,892 237,232 141,659
Total 1,443,627 348,118 306,873 41,245 21.26%
Bobier Villa
Revenues (3,025,137) (1,008,379) (995,651 ) (12,728)
Wages 3,103,499 962,084 979,027 (16,943)
Benefits 722,396 223,943 240,022 (16,079)
Operations 749,653 249,884 139,659 110,226
Total 1,550,411 427,532 363,057 64,476 23.42%
Museum
Wages 102,025 31,721 36,349 (4,628)
Benefits 24,836 7,699 8,311 (612)
Operations 25,300 8,433 (4,270) 12,704
Total 152,161 47,854 40,390 7,464 26.54%
Library
Wages 1,209,766 375,027 388,187 (13,160)
Benefits 318,300 98,673 96,194 2,479
Collections 245,000 81,667 95,534 (13,868)
Operations 246,247 82,082 32,339 49,743
Total 2,019,313 637,449 612,255 25,195 30.32%
Archives
Wages 97,316 30,168 38,673 (8,505)
Benefits 24,602 7,627 9,239 (1,612)
Operations 51,800 17,267 7,256 10,011
Total 173,718 55,061 55,168 (106) 31.76%
Land Division
Wages 56,464 17,868 14,513 3,355
Benefits 10,260 3,195 3,239 (44)
Operations (63,000) (21,000) (16,554) (4,446)
Total 3,724 62 1,197 (1,135) 32.15%
Emergency Measures
Wages 5,460 1,693 1,693 0
Benefits 1,420 440 440 0
Operations 9,000 3,000 292 2,708
Total 15,880 5,133 2,424 2,708 15.27%
Information Technologies
Wages 209,365 64,903 66,027 (1,124)
Benefits 53,938 16,721 17.547 (826)
Operations 317.700 105,900 70,240 35,660
Total 581,003 187,524 153,814 33,710 26.47%
Provincial Offences
Grant (78,590) (26,197) (28,747) 2,551
Fines Revenues (850,000) (283,333) (327,657) 44,323
Shared Revenues - Municipal 494,799 0 0 0
Wages 159,687 49,503 51.763 (2,260)
Benefits 38,632 11,976 13,303 (1,327)
Operations 213,175 71,058 19,202 51,856
Total (22,297) ( 176,993) (272,136) 95,144 1220.51%
Ambulance Services
Province of Ontario (3,551,002) (1,183,667) (1,195,521) 11,854
City of Sl. Thomas (1,433,802) (477,934) (427,893) (50,041)
Contractor Payments 6,940,053 2,313,351 2,188,536 124,815
Wages 70,592 21,884 22,186 (302)
Benefits 17,549 5,440 5,894 (454)
Operations 35,300 11,767 9,151 2,616
Total 2,078,690 690,840 602,354 88,486 28.98%
Collections
Revenue (461,175) (153,725) (145,293) (8,432)
Shared Revenues - Municipal 262,652 87,551 2 87,549
Wages 0 0 0 0
Benefits 0 0 0 0
Operations 180,475 60,158 3,467 56,691
Total (18,048) (6,016) (141,824) 135,808 785.81%
Tourism
Grants (82,791) (27,597) (6,414) (21,183)
Wages 60,281 18,687 16,613 2,074
Benefits 13,680 4,241 1,583 2,657
Operations 119,395 39,798 32,052 7,746
Total 110,565 35,129 43,834 (8,705) 39.65%
Economic Development
Grants (20,000) (6,667) 0 (6,667)
Wages 82,519 25,581 24,548 1,032
Benefits 20,524 6,362 7,747 (1,384)
Operations 174,300 58,100 327 57,773
Total 257,343 83,377 32,622 50,755 12.68%
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Brian Masschaele, Manager of Cultural Services
DATE:
May 21 , 2008
SUBJECT:
Library Internet Use Policy updates
CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED:
To promote cultural services;
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement.
INTRODUCTION:
The Elgin County Library's "Internet Policy & Guidelines" and "Public Access
Internet Station Code of Ethics" was first approved by County Council in
September 1997 and has not been updated since. This report recommends that
these policies be updated and that Internet User Agreements no longer be issued
in order to streamline public use of the Internet and in light of Internet filtering
software that now exists.
DISCUSSION:
The Elgin County Library's "Internet Policy & Guidelines" and "Public Access
Internet Station Code of Ethics" were approved by Council in September 1997.
These policies require patrons that wish to use the library's computers to access
the Internet to sign a "Public Access Internet Station User Agreement" prior to
accessing the service for the first time. A parent or guardian must sign this
agreement for children up to and including grade 8. The agreement commits the
patron to responsible and ethical use of the Internet. The agreement is then kept
on file for verification each time a patron subsequently books a computer to
access the Internet. After 11 years of maintaining these agreements, branches
have accumulated hundred of pages stored in binders that occupy valuable
space behind the circulation desk. Verifying that the user has an agreement can
also take several minutes, thereby taking up a portion of the time the patrol'l has
booked on the computer.
In order to streamline the process, staff are recommending that these
agreements no longer be issued for the following reasons:
. The County now has Internet filtering software which was not in place
when this policy was first adopted, meaning that many of the sites
prohibited in the agreement cannot be accessed by patrons anyway.
. In order to book a computer, a patron must have a library card. One of the
obligations clearly listed on the card upon signing is to "abide by the rules
of the issuing library." Signing the card therefore forms a contract
between the patron and the library which includes an obligation to follow
all of the library's policies and procedures, of which Internet usage is one
policy. Parents and guardians must sign the card for patrons in Grade 8
and under so this provision of the previous policy will continue. Staff will
remain vigilant in ensuring that patrons actually sign their cards prior to
providing any library service.
As are result of these two considerations, staff no longer see the need to have
patrons sign an Internet User Agreement.
In the case of visitors or temporary patrons, they can obtain a guest library card
to access the Internet. These patrons will need to present identification at the
circulation desk and record their address in a log, at which time they will be given
the temporary card.
Staff furthermore recommend that the Library's "Internet Policy & Guidelines" and
"Public Access Internet Station Code of Ethics" be updated to reflect
contemporary terminology with regards to the Internet. The updated policies are
attached as "Appendix A". If Council approves these updated policies, they will
be posted in areas adjacent to all public access computers and revised in the
next version of the library's "User Guide". Therefore, even if patrons no longer
sign a user agreement, they will have a constant reminder of the library's rules
regarding responsible usage which they have agreed to abide by through signing
their card or through obtaining a temporary card.
Council can be assured that public usage of the Internet will continue to be
tracked for statistical and security purposes. Patrons will continue to book
computers and the list of daily bookings will be maintained under the County's
records retention policy. Staff are also in the process of implementing a plan to
have each computer barcoded as a library item and checked out to a patron
when it is used, thereby meaning usage will show up in the patron's record. As a
result, staff will still be able to report who was using a specific computer and at
what time should a breach in the Internet filtering software occur, an event that is
highly unlikely.
Staff feel that the combination of these measures will help to streamline patron
usage of the Internet, free up space in each branch while still maintaining the
integrity of the system should inappropriate usage occur and should this usage
be investigated by staff or law enforcement officials.
CONCLUSION:
This report recommends that the Elgin County Library's "Internet Policy &
Guidelines" and "Public Access Internet Station Code of Ethics" be updated and
that individual user agreements for this service no longer be issued or
maintained.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Elgin County Library's "Internet Policy & Guidelines" and "Public
Access Internet Station Code of Ethics" be adopted as outlined in "Appendix A"
attached to this report; AND
THAT "Public Access Internet Usage Agreements" no longer be issued for public
access to the Internet on County equipment provided that patrons have a signed
library card or have been issued a guest card.
~K:ud
Brian Masschaele
Manager of Cultural Services
/)
cat~~
Director of Cultural Services
F OuLI,,;SS1
Mar onald
Chief Administrative Officer
"Appendix An
ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY & GUIDELINES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC ACCESS INTERNET STATION USAGE PROCEDURE
Welcome to the Elgin County Library's Public Access Internet Service. To
maximize Internet availability and to ensure fair accessibility for all, please follow
these rules and procedures.
1. Upon presentation of a valid Elgin County Library card, a user may book a
one-hour session. Reservations will be held for 10 minutes after the
scheduled start time. Visitors may register for a temporary guest user
card upon presentation of suitable identification.
2. Upon arrival, a user with a booking must sign in at the circulation desk.
3. Due to space limitations, no more than two people are permitted at a
station at one time.
4. Use of personal software programs is not permitted.
5. Users who wish to save files may purchase a recordable CD ($2.50) from
the Library or use a personal storage device. All downloading must be
done during the one-hour session.
6. Printing is available - Black/White Copies are: $.25 each; Colour Copies
are: $.60 each.
7. Whenever time and knowledge permit, staff will assist users.
8. Misuse of the computer, including any violation of the code of ethics, will
result in the loss of Library privileges.
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
The Elgin County Library has established public access Internet stations as part
of its mission to provide access to resources for life-long learning and enhanced
local and global communications.
The Library's Internet access is intended primarily as an information resource
which allows users to connect to electronic resources outside the library.
The Elgin County Library has no control over these resources nor does the
Library have complete knowledge of what is on the internet. Information on the
Internet may be reliable and correct or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date or
unavailable at times.
The Internet contains material that is inappropriate for viewing by children. The
Library subscribes to an Internet blocker in order to attempt to block access to
inappropriate sites but does not guarantee that all inappropriate material will be
blocked. Parents or guardians are expected to monitor and supervise their
children's use of the Internet. Children 8 years of age and under must be
accompanied by an adult.
Library users who find any internet sites which can be viewed in the library to be
inappropriate may fill out a Statement of Concern about Internet Sites form which
can be obtained from library staff.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY PUBLIC ACCESS
INTERNET STATIONS AND WIRELESS CONNECTIONS
All users of electronic information sources such as the Internet are expected to
use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational
and informational purposes for which they are provided and to follow the rules
and regulations of the library providing these resources.
Responsible, ethical use of the Internet includes:
1. Using the Internet for educational, informational and recreational purposes
only; not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
Unacceptable and inappropriate use of the Internet includes but is not
limited to:
1. Accessing sites or transmitting materials which violates any Canadian federal
or provincial law or County by-law, such as defamatory, discriminatory or
obscene material.
2. Accessing sites or tools dedicated to computer/network hacking.
3. Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to
others. .
4. Sending, receiving, or displaying text/graphics which are illegal or may
reasonably be construed as obscene or offensive. This includes sending junk
mail (spamming) to a large number of e-mail addresses.
5. Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted material.
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
DATE:
May 30, 2008
SUBJECT:
County Planning
CORPORATE GOAL/S) REFERENCED:
. To promote Elgin as 'The Place to Live"
. To forge community partnerships
. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service
. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement
INTRODUCTION:
In March 2008, Council considered the attached report entitled "County Land Use
Planning". The report was subsequently deferred pending the results of an information
meeting with local municipalities and planning experts. That information meeting was held
on May 28th, 2008 and the notes from that gathering are attached for Council's information.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council's direction on the next steps.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION:
As indicated in the attached meeting notes, the County Planning Information Meeting was
well attended and informative. Now that municipalities have had an opportunity to raise
questions and to seek responses, it is time to consider what County Council wishes to do
with the report. The options range from maintaining the status quo, to writing each
municipality for its opinion on establishing a County planning function, to adopting the
report (or some variation of it) and implementing the program in 2009.
RECOMMENDATION:
As determined by Council.
ALL of which is respectfully submitted,
--.
Mark G. Mc ,
Chief Administrative Officer.
MEETING NOTES
County Planning Information Meeting held on May 28th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the
County Administration Building.
Welcome and Back!:lround:
Warden Hofhuis welcomed everyone (approximately 45 attendees) and provided
a brief explanation of the rationale for the meeting.
Presentations:
Mr. Bruce Curtis. Manaqer of Communitv Plannin!:l and Development,
Ministrv of Municipal Affairs and Housin!:l noted that Elgin County is the only
upper-tier municipality in the western region without an Official Plan. Mr. Curtis
described the objectives of a County Official Plan, the specific needs contained
within an Official Plan, its scope and the difference between a County Official
Plan and a local Municipal Official Plan.
In terms of advantages, Mr. Curtis noted the County Official Plan:
1) provides a broad regional vision of planning and development
2) streamlines the approval process
3) promotes economic development while protecting the environment
4) allows decision making at the local level
5) enables participants to deal "up front" with policy issues affecting the
County, local municipalities and adjacent municipalities
6) helps avoid conflicts.
Mr. David Roe. Principal. Civic Planninq Solutions described his background
as a Planner noting that he has worked for upper-tier, lower-tier and single-tier
municipalities. He emphasized that decision-making is quicker with a delegated
municipal authority, that his preference is to deal with local planning authorities
rather than the province. He further noted that there are many advantages to
developing a County Official Plan, including that it provides a good buffer in
dealing with the province and adjacent municipalities. Mr. Roe further noted that
many larger commercial enterprises will simply not show interest in a county if an
Official Plan is not available. 'We do not know how many opportunities are lost
because we do not have an Official Plan". These companies have strict timelines
for development and are not interested in a long approval process that exists
when a County Official Plan is non-existent.
Mr. Roe concluded that the County should establish a planning function, perhaps
by starting simply with a consultant based program.
MeetinQ Notes - paQe 2
Mr. Steve Evans. Director of PlanninQ and Economic Development. County
of Middlesex described the formation of the Middlesex Planning and Economic
Development Program which was established in 1995. He further described the
County's role and its relationship to lower-tier planning, noting that the County
Plan recognizes the planning powers of its local municipalities, leaving the
detailed planning to them.
The advantages of a County Official Plan, according to Mr. Evans, are as follows:
1) it transfers responsibilities from the province to the county
2) it brings the process closer to the participants
3) it streamlines the approval process
4) it benefits the local economy
5) it creates a cooperative environment in the approvals process
6) both the county and the municipalities have a vested interest in ensuring
that development is approved in a timely fashion
7) it enhances economic development by providing a clear statement to
potential investors of the county's growth and development aspirations.
Questions and Answer Period:
The audience was invited to ask the panel questions about County Planning.
Warden Hofhuis thanked the presenters and those in attendance for a very
informative meeting and adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
DATE:
March 6, 2008
SUBJECT:
County Land Use Planning
CORPORATE GOAL/5) REFERENCED:
. To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability
. To promote Elgin as "The Place to Live"
. To forge community partnerships
. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service
. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement
. To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe
transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our
communities and is able to support economic development and
sustainable growth
Introduction:
County Council, at its February 2008 meeting, directed staff to investigate the
feasibility of establishing a County land use function and report back. This report
examines the proposition of establishing said function with a recommendation.
Discussion:
Current Planninct Functions:
Every Municipality within the County of Elgin has an Official Plan and each
Municipality purchases professional planning services through various
arrangements. Committees of Adjustment are used for minor variances and the
County provides Land Division services. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Housing is the planning approval authority for Official Plans, Official Plan
Amendments and for Plans of Subdivision/Condominiums.
The Planning Act sets out the rules for land use planning and determines how
land use may be controlled and by whom. The Act is complimented by Provincial
Policy Statements which are designed to ensure that Provincial interests are
upheld. Under the Provincial umbrella, local planning administrations are
established, the rights of citizens to be notified are determined and provisions are
2
made for appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board (OM B). The Province promotes
Provincial interests such as protecting farmland, natural resources and the
environment. In addition, the Province provides comments and advice on
planning matters for municipalities.
The local role is to make planning decisions that determine the future of the local
community, and to prepare planning documents such as Official Plans and
Zoning By-laws.
In counties, or upper-tier planning sectors, broad planning matters are
addressed, especially ones that cross municipal boundaries. A County Official
Plan is developed and counties may be granted authority to approve local Official
Plans, Plans of Subdivision and Condominium Development. Without an
approved Official Plan an upper-tier municipality's planning authority is limited to
a commenting capacity on planning related matters, which in Elgin tends to be
limited to transportation issues respecting County roads.
It is interesting to note from a 2005 survey of counties that three have planning
functions limited to Land Division only; three have no planning function at all; and
sixteen counties have full planning functions using a variety of approaches.
What is a County Official Plan?
A County Official Plan is a strategic planning document related to future land use
and the physical development of a municipality over a twenty year period. It
establishes a policy framework to give guidance to local municipalities in the
preparation of their local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws. The upper-tier
Official Plan sets out a framework for coordination and cooperation amongst the
local municipalities and the County on planning and development issues that
transcend local boundaries. While local Official Plans are required to conform to
county plans, in practice the policies of upper-tier Official Plans tend to provide
broader coordination, leaving detailed policies to be provided locally.
Why Adopt a County Official Plan?
Once the authority is delegated to the County from the Province, approvals take
on a local flavour, where decision-making takes place at the municipal level
rather than provincially. The County Official Plan is based on local policies with
input from local councils and ratepayers. It would focus on areas of growth
management, transportation, economic development and municipal services, to
name a few. The County Official Plan could establish an "urban buffer", that
being services that would enable the logical expansion of the service
communities where there are cross-municipal interests in abutting areas. A
County planning function would work hand-in-hand with economic development
3
by compiling statistics on population breakdowns and projections; on labour force
numbers; and on community services and facilities. These are all tools for
economic development.
How Would Countv Planninq Benefit Local Municipalities?
More local accountability would be generated since approvals would not be made
at the Province. A coordinated strategic direction on cross-jurisdictional matters
would be developed allowing for orderly progress. The symbiotic relationship
between planning and economic development would be enhanced as each
function would compliment the other. County planning would help present a
single coordinated voice in addressing the Province on new and emerging policy
matters. More streamlined decision making would occur which translates into
quicker turn-around times for development approvals thereby minimizing delays
in realizing new assessments. In addition, the County could provide additional
resources for local planning decisions such as by providing statistical information,
trends in development and economic analysis.
The Approach:
One approach is to establish a very basic County planning function staffed by a
Planner, a Planning Assistant and secretarial support. The department would
spearhead the development of a County Official Plan and be responsible for
approving local Plans of Subdivision, local Official Plans and amendments. Local
municipalities would continue to be responsible for local planning similar to what
they do today. The role of the County Land Division Committee could remain
unaltered or it could eventually be devolved to the Lower-Tier, depending on the
will of Council.
The Process:
Once a County planning function is established, the new Planner would
investigate the development of a County Official Plan. That Plan must eventually
be approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing before being
implemented. Once a draft Official Plan is written, at least one public meeting
must be held to review public input. Community and local council input is critical
to its development. Once approved, Municipal Official Plans and Zoning By-laws
must conform. If a conflict exists between the County Plan and the local
Municipal Plan, then the County Plan shall prevail. The trade-off is that more
local planning control will be exercised thereby addressing municipal concerns to
a greater extent than if the Province was the decision-maker. The potential to
effect quick planning decisions may be improved as well, thereby accelerating
development and the collection of revenue from tax assessment.
4
The Budqet:
On a full-year basis, a fully operational County planning function consisting of
one full-time qualified Planner, a Planning AssistantlTechnician and a part-time
secretary would entail approximately $175,000 in wages and benefits.
Operational expenses are estimated at $15,000 per year not including furniture,
computers and other office related needs. Therefore, the department should be
able to operate for approximately $200,000 annually. However, by the time a
County Planner position is advertised and filled, the function likely could not
commence before July 2008, therefore a budget representing half of the year
would suffice (approximately $100,000).
Council should be made aware that the development of a County Official Plan,
which is largely done by consultants, will cost somewhere near $300,000 to
complete. This would not be issued until sometime in 2009 and because it
represents a one-time cost it could be funded from a Reserve Account.
Conclusion:
County planning can be considered an arm of economic development, in that it
helps accelerate planning decisions, provides a coordinated approach to
development and offers a vision for planning that transcends municipal
boundaries.
Recommendation:
That the report entitled County Land Use Planning dated March 6th, 2008 from
the Chief Administrative Officer be approved; and,
That a County Planning function be established commencing on July 1st, 2008;
and,
That the 2008 Composite County Budget be adjusted ($100,000) to
accommodate this new service commencing on July 1st, 2008.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
DATE:
May 30, 2008
SUBJECT:
Progress on Road Maintenance and Capital Needs Study
CORPORATE GOAL/S) REFERENCED:
. To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability
. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement
. To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe
transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our
communities and is able to support economic development and
sustainable growth
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the progress of
the Road Maintenance and Capital Needs Study.
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Gibson, the Coordinator of both studies, has reported that he has received a
proposed work plan, including time line and budget from AECOM Technology
Corporation, the successor to Totten Sims Hubicki Associates, for both studies.
Mr. Gibson will be reviewing the proposal with the proponent and authorizing the
work in due course.
It is important to note, that after reviewing the available consultants for this type
of work and after discussing the options with Central Elgin staff who are familiar
with AECOM, Mr. Gibson has selected them by invitation. Council may be aware
that this Company is abundantly familiar with the County system and particularly
the working relationship between the upper and lower-tier, having done similar
work for the local municipalities.
CONCLUSION:
Mr. Gibson is moving the projects ahead and will be providing periodic updates
as milestones are reached.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT this report be received and filed.
ALL of which is respectfully submitted,
~
Mark G. McDon ,
Chief Administrative Officer.
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak/ Manager of Road Infrastructure
Sonia Beavers/ Purchasing Co-Ordinator
DATE: June 10/ 2008
SUBJECT: Buck's Bridge Deck Rehabilitation
Coroorate Goal Referenced
To build and maintain an efficient/ affordable/ effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support
economic development and sustainable growth.
Introduction
As part of the Capital Budget/ Requests for Tenders were issued as per the County's
Purchasing Policy and sealed bids were received until Wednesday, May 28/ 2008. The
project entails the supply of all labour/ equipment and materials necessary for the deck
rehabilitation of Buck's Bridge located on Ferguson Line (County Road # 48) in the
Municipality of Central Elgin.
Discussion / Conclusion
Formal Tenders were retained and bids were received as follows:
Company Bid (includina taxes)
Weathertech Restoration Services Inc. $ 238/906.50
Facca Incorporated $ 276/150.00
Clearwater Structures Inc. $ 294/372.75
Weathertech Restoration Services Inc. submitted the lowest bid for the Buck's Bridge
Deck Rehabilitation at a total price of $ 238,906.50 (including taxes). The bid includes
all labour/ material and equipment required to complete the project as specified in the
Tender Document.
The lowest bid is within the budget estimates.
Recommendation
THAT Weathertech Restoration Services be selected for the supply of all labour/
material and equipment necessary for the deck rehabilitation of Buck's Bridge located
on Ferguson Line (County Road # 48) in the Municipality of Central Elgin at their
quoted price of $ 238,906.50 (including taxes); and
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter
into an agreement with Weathertech Resoration Services Inc. to complete the Buck's
Bridge Deck Rehabilitation, Contract No. 6290-08-01.
Approved By, MvJ 0--1W;
Clayton Watters
Director, Engineerin rvices
Peter Dutcha
Manager of Road Infrastructure
~ro ~ro,~~
Sonia Beavers
Purchasing Co-Ordinator
Mark McDon
Chief Administrative Officer
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager of Road Infrastructure
DATE: June 2, 2008
SUBJECT: Tourism Signage
CORPORATE GOALS:
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that
accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic
development and sustainable growth.
INTRODUCTION:
The County has received a request from the Municipality of Bayham's Tourism and
Marketing Committee to install 14 tourist destination signs and directional arrows on County
roads in Bayham. The signs have been manufactured and do not meet existing tourism sign
criteria.
This report shall recommend updating the existing tourism signing policies and allowing the
Bayham signage to be installed temporarily until a new policy is implemented.
DISCUSSION:
The following policy was approved by County Council in 2005:
THAT the following policy be utilized for all requests for tourism signage.
1. THAT local, non-profit, tourism destinations may have directional signage placed on
County Roads.
2. THAT all requests for signage originate from the municipality in which the destination
resides.
3. THAT the local municipality install requested signs at their cost.
4. THAT the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association seek approval for all requests from the
County of Elgin.
5. THAT all requests are subject to design, construction and placement specifications as
determined by the County.
6. THAT the County of Elgin reserves the right to disapprove or limit the number of signs
to a destination.
DISCUSSION (CONTINUED):
The normal process for installing tourism signing starts with a request from the local
municipality to Tourism Services for directional signage. Once the request has been
received, Tourism Services determines what can be accommodated within the current
budget allocations (typically $3,000 to $4,000 annually) and prioritizes signage requests on a
"first come" basis and assesses similar signage that already exists.
Tourism Services then communicates with the requestor what they are prepared to support
and follow this communication with a request to Engineering Services to erect the signage if
it resides on a County road. At this point a letter is also sent to the local municipality's road
department giving them notice of the upcoming sign installation that they will be
completing. If Engineering Services approves the request, the signage is ordered by
Tourism Services and delivered to the municipality to erect the signage.
There are currently 65 tourism sign boards across Elgin County directing visitors to various
destinations within Elgin. Each sign board may have one or multiple points of interest listed
on them (a list of current sign locations is attached).
The existing signing practice has accommodated tourism needs over the past decade,
however, now that the County's Economic Development department includes Tourism
Services and the number of destinations have increased, there is an opportunity to revise
the policies.
One concern that Engineering Services has is the number of destinations listed on a sign
board. Engineering practice suggests that a listing of more than 3 destinations cannot be
digested by motorists and signage becomes less effective.
In addition, the County will be embarking upon a corporate branding exercise and
recommendations from that report may influence tourism signage (i.e. colour, logos, etc.).
The Municipality of Bayham has requested to install a number of tourism signs on County
roads to direct visitors to beaches, museums and their wind farm "Interpretive Centre". The
municipality has already manufactured these signs at a cost of $3,500. Bayham's signage is
not similar to existing tourism signage in colour, font, size and does not reference a Tourism
Services type header.
Although the signs that Bayham has created are dissimilar to existing tourism signage, they
could be installed temporarily until new policies have been created and implemented.
Realistically, it could take a few years until all existing signs have been retrofitted or revised
to meet a new policy.
Engineering Services could approve locations for the Bayham signs that did not interfere
with sight lines and roadway signage and in most cases they would reside near the road
property limits and away from intersections.
CONCLUSION:
An opportunity exists to revise the existing tourism signing policy now that the County is
responsible for the delivery of Tourism Services, some existing signage is nearly a decade
old and the volume of information at some locations has become a concern.
The Municipality of Bayham has invested $3,500 to create signage for tourism destinations
in their municipality and although they are dissimilar to existing tourism signage, they could
be installed temporarily until a new signing policy was created and implemented.
The entire tourism signing program has been "put on hold" until direction has been received
from Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT a new Tourism Signing Policy be created and presented to County Council for
approval, and;
THAT signage requested by the Municipality of Bayham be installed temporarily until a new
tourism signing policy has been implemented in which time the signs will be removed, and;
THAT the County select the location of the temporary Bayham tourism signage that resides
on County roads.
Approved for Submission
aM f\-!J14
Services
Peter Dutchak
Manager, Road Infrastructure
Mark :
Chief Administrative Officer
Tourism Signage Program - Elain Countv
The following is as complete a listing as is available at the current time: Note the Elgin County
Header welcome sign is different from the header as it is larger and just has the logo and website
West Elgin
Graham Road south of 401 - Elgin County Header
Highway 3 at Chatham-Kent border - Elgin County Header welcome sign
Furnival Road, north of Highway 3 - multiple points of interest signage
Highway #3, west of Furnival Road - Header with multiple points of interest signage
Furnival Road at Silver Clay Line - directional signage (Joe's Bush)
Furnival Line at Queen Street - directional signage (Fairgrounds)
Furnival Road South of 401, facing south - Header with multiple points of interest signage
Graham Road south of 401 facing south - Elgin County welcome Sign
Graham Road facing South downtown West Lorne - directional signage (Talbot Trail & arena)
DuttonlDunwich
Currie Road, facing south - multiple points of interest signage
Hwy. 8, west of Talbot Line - directional signage (Galbraith Monument I Library)
Hwy. 8 west of Talbot Line - directional signage (WEDS & Buttermilk Bog)
Talbot line at Wallacetown facing south - header with multiple points of interest signage
Talbot Line at Wallacetown, facing north - header with multiple points of interest signage
South Side of Highway 8 - directional signage (Galbraith Monument)
Highway 8 facing west - directional signage (Galbraith Monument I Library)
Southwold
Elgin Road #14 on north side, facing west - directional signage (Southwold Prehistoric Earthworks)
lona Station south of 401 - directional signage (Southwold Prehistoric Earthworks)
Fingal Line at Union Road - directional signage (Fingal Wildlife Area)
Fingal Line at Union Road - directional signage (Talbot Trail)
Fingal Line at lona Road facing north - points of interest signage (Southwold Prehistoric Earthworks)
Fingal Line at Lake View Line facing South - header with multiple points of interest signage
Talbot Line north of Shedden facing west -header and multiple points of interest signage
Talbot Line facing east - multiple points of interest signage
Union Road south of 401 - header with multiple points of interest signage
Talbot Line, west of Talbotville - header with multiple points of interest signage
Talbotville at Fore Road - Elgin County Header welcome sign
St. Thomas
Wellington Road at Elgin County border - Elgin County Header welcome sign
Highbury Road at Elgin County border - Elgin County Header welcome sign
Wellington Road, north of Highway 3 - header with multiple points of interest signage
Talbot Street facing west - header with multiple points of interest signage
Talbot Street facing west (2) - header with multiple points of interest signage
Fingal Line intersection facing north - multiple directional signage (Museums & Old SI. Thomas
Church)
Fingal Line intersection facing south - multiple directional signage (Museums & Old SI. Thomas
Church)
Fingal Line intersection facing north - directional signage (tourist information)
Fingal Line intersection facing south - multiple directional signage (tourist information and Talbot
Trail)
First Ave at Wellington Street, facing north - directional signage (Elgin County Railway Museum)
First Ave at Wellington Street, facing south - directional signage (Elgin County Railway Museum)
Talbot Street at Fairview Av., facing east - directional signage (Douglas J. Tarry Sports Complex)
Talbot Street at Fairview Av., facing west - directional signage (Douglas J. Tarry Sports Complex)
Talbot Street at Manor Road - header with multiple points of interest signage
Railway Museum entrance Wellington Street - points of interest signage (Elgin County Railway
Museum)
Sunset Drive at Elm Street - multiple directional signage (Pinafore Park & Memorial Arena)
Central Elgin
Sunset Road at Stone Church Road, facing south - header with multiple points of interest signage
Sunset Road before Union Road on east side facing north - points of interest signage (Forge and
Anvil)
John Wise Line, west of Hwy. 73 - header with points of interest signage (Dairy and Heritage
Museum)
John Wise Line, south of Quaker Road, facing east - multiple points of interest signage
John Wise Line, north of Quaker Road, facing west - multiple points of interest signage
Belmont Road, facing south - header with multiple points of interest signage
Malahide
Aylmer east on Highway 3 - header with multiple points of interest signage
Aylmer north on Hwy. 73 - header with points of interest (Aylmer Wildlife Area)
Aylmer south on 73 before John Wise Line, facing south - header with points of interest signage
(Dairy Museum)
Aylmer south on Hwy 73, before John Wise Line facing north - header with points of interest (Aylmer
Wildlife)
Hwy. 73 facing north after Jamestown Line - directional signage (Dairy Museum/Port Burwell
Museum)
Hwy 73 facing south before Jamestown Line - multiple directional signage (Dairy & Port Burwell
Museum)
Outside of Aylmer on Hwy 73 north - points of interest signage (Dairy Museum
Bayham
Heritage Line just south of Highway #3 - header with multiple points of interest signage
Plank Road facing south - header with multiple points of interest signage
Port Burwell Marine Museum, Robinson St - points of interest signage (Marine Museum)
Heritage Line just off #3 highway, south towards Vienna, header with multiple points of interest
signage
Heritage Line (#38) and Plank Road (#19) - directional signage (Bayham museums)
Calton Rd #45 east of Richmond Rd #43, south side - points of interest signage (Header & Bayham
Museums)
Calton Rd. #45 at Plank Rd. #19, south side - directional signage (Bayham Museums)
Calton Rd., #45 west of Elgin County Rd. #55, north side - points of interest signage (Header &
Bayham Museums)
Calton Rd. #45 just east of Plank Rd., #19, north east side - directional signage (Bayham Museums)
Notes:
1 - some signage that is erected actually promotes points of interest of another municipality due to
the location of the signage, I.e. Port Burwell Marine Museum signage is listed under Malahide
2 - there are two signs on the 401, one eastbound and one westbound that belong to Canadian
TODS. Initially the tourist association erected that signage but when it fell into poor repair TODS was
reluctant to make repairs without an extended commitment from tourism which the Board was not
prepared to make. Therefore in 2005, the Board chose not to renew the contract with Canadian
TODS and the signage has remained in place anyway.
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager of Road Infrastructure
DATE: June 2, 2008
SUBJECT: Crane Usage on County Roads
CORPORATE GOALS:
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement.
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that
accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic
development and sustainable growth.
INTRODUCTION:
As Council is aware, an Inquest was held subsequent to the fatality of a crane operator
driving on a County road. The County solicitor must report back explaining how the
inquest's recommendations have been implemented by the County.
Staff has discovered that cranes are being used to service wind turbines in Bayham, and
may be traversing over County roads without approval. Approval is now being sought by
crane companies to use County roads after a meeting was held with all parties.
DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION:
The County has discovered that cranes are being used in the Municipality of Bayham to
service wind turbines. These cranes may be using County roads without permission.
Engineering staff, the County solicitor, Bayham and Malahide staff met on May 27, 2008
with representatives of the Erie Shores Wind Farm and their crane contractor to discuss use
of County roads by cranes. The County solicitor impressed upon the group the importance
of communication and the requirement of obtaining approval from the County when using
equipment on County roads that exceeds the limitations of the Highway Traffic Act through
our Oversize / Overweight permitting system.
The meeting clarified what roads were under the County's jurisdiction and what would be
required through the permit process (I.e. structural evaluation of roads to be used). County
staff were made aware that maintenance of wind turbines with cranes would be an ongoing
process and may occur a few times per year.
It was also noted that the lower tier municipalities of Bayham and Malahide do not currently
have a permit process in place for oversize and overweight vehicles and any such vehicles
may not be permitted to use local roads.
At the meeting's conclusion there was an acknowledgement by all parties of the County's
permit system and requirements and a willingness to abide by that system. All parties also
understood the County's sensitivity with respect to cranes using County roads.
The County continues to rely upon its lower tier partners to inform County staff of cranes
using County roads.
County Council will receive a full report about the implementation of the Inquest's
recommendations from the County solicitor before year's end.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT this report be received and filed.
R"~
Peter Dutchak
Manager, Road Infrastructure
Approved for Submission
a1vJ If\~t;
Clayton Watters
Director, Engineeri ices
Mark. onald
Chief Admin! er
CORRESPONDENCE - June 10. 2008
Items for Consideration
1. Carolyn Downs, City Clerk, City of Kingston with:
1) a resolution regarding their municipality's concerns for the Province's Bill 64 "An Act
to Amend the Pesticide Act" to prohibit the use and sale of pesticides that may be
used for cosmetic purposes; and,
2) a resolution encouraging the Ontario Government to amend the Building Code to
significantly increase the minimum requirement for energy and water efficiency within
new buildings and to amend relevant legislation indicating that the Code is the
minimum standard to which builders must adhere but municipalities may pass by-laws
that require efficiency standards exceeding the Code. (ATTACHED)
www.cityofkingston.ca
City of Kingston
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K7L 2Z3
where history and innovation thrive
2008-05-21
R.. ll'''C'''I'!'':;~\Nr,;:D.'
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All Municipalities in Ontario with a population over 50,000
. MAY 2 9 200B
Dear 811's:
C(lUNTV (W H,G\N
RE: MOTION (9) - MAY 20, 2008 - BILL 64 - PESTICIDE ACT . OM'f""TF ;\'l'lV';: '~:t:;IW1CES
Pi I ~l'> I. ,., - .
I would confirm that Kingston City Council at its regular meeting held on May 20, 2008,
approved the [allowing Motion (9):
(9) Moved by Councillor Schmolka
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Matheson
WHEREAS the City of Kingston passed a by-law regarding the cosmetic use of pesticides on
December 18, 2007, with the by-law coming into effect on October 15, 2008; and,
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has given first reading to Bill 64, "An Act to Amend the Pesticide
Act to prohibit the use and sale of pesticides that may be used for cosmetic purposes"; and,
WHEREAS Bill 64 is posted on the Environmental Registry, EBR 010-3348 with a deadline for
comments of May 22, 2008; and,
WHEREAS Bill 64 does not, in some aspects, protect the publiC from pesticide use as effectively as
Kingston's by-law will when it comes into force; and,
WHEREAS the proposed provincial law says in section 7.1 (5) that "A municipal by-law is inoperative
if it addresses the use, sale, offer for sale or transfer of a pesticide that may be used for a cosmetic
purpose", thereby overriding Kingston's by.law;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED THA T City staff be directed to respond to the Environmental
Registry posting by the deadline stating that the City of Kingston:
. supports Bill 64 generally CARRIED
. does not support section 7.1(5) which makes municipal by.laws regarding pesticides
inoperative CARRIED
. requests that the provincial government's pesticide law follow the approach in The Smoke
Free Ontario Act which states that "if there is conflict between [the Act] and a provision of
another Act, a regulation or a municipal by-law that deals with smoking, the provision that
is more restrictive of smoking prevails. ' CARRIED
. requests that the provincial government allow municipalities to retain their power to make
pesticide bylaws acknowledging public health and local needs and consistent with recent
changes to the Municipal Act that recognize municipalities' powers to act to protect
human health and the environment; CARRIED
.. . continued on Page 2
Clerk's Department
Corporate Services
Phone: (613) 546-4291 exL 1247 Fax: (613) 546-5232 cdowns@cityofkingston.ca
City of Kingston
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K 7L 2Z3
Motion (9), May 20, 2008, continued
Page 2
- and further -
THAT Council's decision be sent to all municipalities with a population over 50,000 in Ontario, the
Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the
Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of the Environment as soon as possible.
CARRIED
Yours truly,
V"'//.-19""Y- O~
/
Carolyn Downs
City Clerk
/ki
Cc: Councillor V. Schmolka
File No. PIS
Clerk's Department
Corporate Services
Phone: (613) 546-4291 exl. 1247 Fax: (613) 546-5232 cdowns@cityofkingston.ca
www.cityofkingston.ca
City of Kingston
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K 7L 2Z3
where history and innovation thrive
2008-05-21
l\::>> !I= C!E:; i ~J IF: ~'~
n~ [;~t-.l ~ ~~.U<l~
All Ontario Municipalities with a Population over 50,000
MAY 29 2008
Dear Sirs: COmny Of ELGIH
RE: MOTION (8) - MAY 20, 2008 -ONTARIO BUILDING CODf.DM!N1STHAl'IV~SERVICES
I would confirm that Kingston City Council at its regular meeting held on May 20, 2008,
approved the following Motion (8):
(8) Moved by Councillor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Gerretsen
WHEREAS the Ontario Building Code (the Code) regulates the standard of construction of buildings
in Ontario; and,
WHEREAS municipalities may not demand a standard of building construction that exceeds those
standards set out in the Code; and,
WHEREAS climate change is the greatest challenge that we humans have to face; and,
WHEREAS human greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are causing climate change to accelerate at an
alarming and unprecedented rate; and,
WHEREAS the operation of buildings contributes to over 40% of our GHG emissions; and,
WHEREAS the City of Kingston is a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Partners
in Climate Protection and is committed to reducing communily greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by
2014;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Kingston strongly encourage the
Ontario Government to amend the Ontario Building Code to significantly increase the minimum
requirement for energy and water efficiency within new buildings, and do so as soon as possible and
before the increased requirements that come into effect in 2011;
- and further-
THA T the Council of the City of Kingston strongly encourage the Ontario Government to amend
relevant legiSlation to indicate thaf the Code is the minimum standard foienergy and water efficiency
to which builders must adhere, but that municipalities may pass by-laws that require efficiency
standards that exceed the Code so that community GHG emissions may be reduced;
. ..continued on Page 2
Clerk's Department
Corporate Services
Phone: (613) 546-4291 exl. 1247 Fax: (613) 546-5232 cdowns@cityofkingston.ca
City of Kingston
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K7L 2Z3
Motion (8), May 20, 2008, continued
Page 2
- and further -
THA T this motion be forwarded to the Ontario Minister of the Environment, the Ontario Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, to aii municipalities in Ontario with a popuiation of 50,000 or more to
seek their support, and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to lobby on our behalf.
CARRIED
Yours truly,
p~~r-Q~~.
Carolyn Downs
City Clerk
lid
Cc: Councillor L. Foster
File No. PI8
Clerk's Department
Corporate Services
Phone: (613) 546-4291 exL 1247 Fax: (613) 546-5232 cdowns@cityofkingston.ca
CORRESPONDENCE - June 10. 2008
Items for Information (Consent Aaendal
1. Jodi Woodrich, Administrative Assistant, City of St. Thomas, with copy of
correspondence to the Executive Director of the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health
endorsing the letter from Dr. Sharon Baker, Acting Medical Officer of Health, to Steve
Peters, M.P.P., regarding long-term care access and funding. (ATTACHED)
2. YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin's Dinner and Silent Auction, with an invitation and
information concerning the Silent Auction and programs at the YWCA. (ATTACHED)
3. Maureen Vandenberghe, Communications & Development Coordinator, Tillsonburg &
District Multi-Service Centre, thanking Council for the grant funding support for 2008.
(ATTACHED)
4. Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources, acknowledging
Council's support of the Town of Milton's resolution regarding rehabilitation security
deposits for aggregate pits and quarries. (ATTACHED)
5. Jackie Fraser, Executive Director, AG Care, with a copy of an information resource
newsletter on agriculture and the environment. (copy available for viewing in
Administrative Services)
6. Paul Collins, President and CEO, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, thanking
Council for attending the Hospital-ity Breakfast meeting. (ATTACHED)
7. John Tory, Leader of the Ontario PC Party, regarding the PC Caucus concerns for Bill
35 "Investing In Ontario Act" and support for municipal infrastructure. (ATTACHED)
8. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to the
Honourable George Smitherman regarding Council's resolution concerning long-term
care placement and overcrowding at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital.
(ATTACHED)
Richard J. Beachey
Deputy City Clerk
nmCORPORATION" OPTlm,.lTY OF
Office of the Clerk
P.O.Box 520, City Hall
Sl. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7
Telephone: 519- 631-1680 X 4125
Fax: (519) 633-9019
Wendell Graves
City Clerk
ST. THOMAS
May 23rd, 2008
~:~
D
Ms. Cynthia St. John, Executive Director
Elgin St. Thomas Public Health
99 Edward Street
St. Thomas, ON
N5P 1 Y8
MAY 2 \3 200a
f\(il n.Y{V';'1~- r:: /'r\\~
l,>-f;.'\J~ -l ~;: \l' J,~\>\.11 .
ADff!,}~USTHXnVE S~~FW1Cy~$
Re: EI!!in St. Thomas Public Health
Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas passed the
following resolution at the May 20, 2008 Council meeting:
"THAT: City Council endorse the letter from Dr. Sharon Baker, Acting Medical
Officer of Health dated April 24, 2008 addressed to the Honourable Steve Peters,
regarding long term care access and funding,"
A copy of the letter is attached. Should you require further information please contact April Gazda,
Clerk's Depmiment at 519-631-1680 extension 4121.
Sincerely,
Grr\:, W~
Q;i'-'~';;odrich
Administrative Assistant
ccl Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Honourable Steve Peters, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London
County of Elgin
PL~AS~JOINj;(.s FOR. nt~YWCA
DINN~R.AND SI
where: Kettle Cree~ Cio~f .9 Cou
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socUl~ Hour 6:00 - 7:00 pVIA. wit
1ic~ets IAre 4'30 1AVl-v! VlA.ust be pur " OOg
1iclzets VlA.lAl:J be purchlAsev! at the YWCA or CoVl-V\-tctioVl-s
QUestwVl-s? ptelAse ca~~ 5=!:9-63:1.:jgOO
tablts pf eLgl1t tleluts are t
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we WlllAt tjOct to f<.IAOW thllt we c!Lc!IA't foyget tjw, bctt llS tjOct f<.IAOW, lLfe tGlf<.es twLsts lllAc!
tctYIAS lllAc! GhlllAge Ls LlAevLtllble. oveythe lGlst wctl'le of tjellYS the YWCA hllS seelA lots of
dlGllAges GlIAc! we llye hllFPtj to Slltj thllt we hllve beelA gyowLlAg btj leGll's GlIAc! bOctlAc!s. IIA 2.005
we l'llvtlAeYec! wLth st. ThOV"'-llS ElgLIA pctblLG Helllth to ol'evllte the YOcttVl AGtLoV\,
AllLGllMe PyogYGlV\\. c!esLglAec! to tYGlLIA tjOctv\'g llc!ctlts to beGoV\\.e wV"'-V\\.ctIALttj llc!vowtes lllAc!
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14AY 26 2008
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ReCyelltWV\-i:ll ActLvLtLes. As welllls to f<.LGf<. off II seyLes of tjoctth -pyogmJll,C$ SctGh llS K[c!'s
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The SctV\\.JIl.Cey of 2.007 SllW ctS WlAvert Oct I' nlAtj Tots pYogmV"'- to fctll HJIl.Ce
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c!eVelo-pLV\-0 Gl GGlyety.
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Dctt of Gl ciesLye to GlssLst the NGltLolAlll YWCA w[th lll'yojeet LIA NctlAllVctt. RellffLyJll.C OctV
wJIl.CV"'-LtV"'-elAt to fllLy tYGlc!e GlV\,ci Sctl'-port -pyojeGts lllAci woV"'-elA's LIALHllHves woylci wLcie. It lllso
lllloweci ctS to cievelop Gljob tmLIALV\-0 sLte fOY WOJll.CelA GlIAc! tjoctth goLlAg thywgh Oct I'
EV"'--plotjJll.CelAt TVGlLIALlAg PyogYGlV"'-s.
whew... we tolc! tjOct we'Ve beelA bctstj' AlAci Glll thLs Ls llA llcic!LHolA to OctV othey
-pyogYGlV"'-IMLlAg. so to V"'-Glf<.e II lOlAg stOytj short 01' II shovt stovtj lOlAg, we jctst c!lcilA't hGlve the
hctJll.ClllA yesoctYGeS V\,eussGlytj to -pctt togethey WI' ActGHolA LIA Lts ctsctGll fOYIM.
Howevey tjOctv Sct1'1'ort [s Cy[t[c(;ll to Octy-pyogY(;lJll,C$ llvccl OctY llb[L[ttj to JIl.Ctet wV\\.V\\.ctvc[ttj V\-eecis.
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s[g V\-i:ltctye eveV\-t.
Phone: (519) 842-9000
Fax: (519) 842-4727
Emall: msc@ocl.net
Tillsonburg & District
Multi-Service Centre (MSC)
The Livingston Centre
96 Tillson Avenue, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3A1
www.thelivinQstoncentre.com
Celebrating 30 Years - Serving the Community Since 1978
May 15, 2008
,t::il;,,,, f[\"~' tJ, '4. W \"lXW ~)
({;O){f C t tf li~~ ~..J
Warden Sylvia Hofhuis
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
MAY 21 2008
,"<1"\1 ",V"tI I"'" "', . ,
'.,,~,'llj\H ;; ,)p f' nfl"l
"" _.>"".,~ ~
A !;.~&_~h':l\;'j'O I:~ '?I\ I~" i\(I'V1"lf.qA
~')5)rH~~",ll 'J i"~ II ,:;' ~ ';':j.\~ 01 tt,;t;~
Dear Warden, County Council and County Staff:
On behalf of the Multi-Service Centre (MSC), we would like to extend a sincere thank you for
ONCE AGAIN supporting our Adult Basic Literacy program with a grant of $4500.00. Your support
of our programming over the years is valued and appreciated.
The Multi-Service Centre has been providing community services since 1978 - 30 years of
operation I We have moved and grown over the years from the house on Rolph Street to our
current location in The Livingston Centre. One thing has not changed however - and that is our
commitment to providing community based services and our gratefulness to the supporters and
volunteers that have made that happen.
Our primary focus remains providing needed client services. While we do receive regular funding
in some of our programming areas and actively fundraise, we encourage, need and appreciate
donations/gifts such as you have provided. These funds/gifts allow us to commit to programs
that require community support in order to meet budget requirements. They also allow us to
plan for future needs.
Please call if you have any questions.
Thank you for your investment in our services and the community in which our clients reside. We
hope you can join us on June 25, 2008 when we celebrate our 30th anniversary. Celebrations
begin at 11 :30 with a BBQ, followed by an open house, capped off with our Annual Meeting at 7
p.m. Please call ext. 270 if you can join \~ or have any questions.
Si erely, o~~:'d
SO iJ'Vl lj
[ (
our information with any 0 er organizations or individuals. If y
our contact list please all 519-842-9000, ext. 270.
Mission
A community organization commi/tad to supporting personallndependenca through:
.. Innovative and responsive resources .. Partnerships and collaboration .. Striving for excellence
Vision
Embracing Personallndepandenca . Celebrating a Caring Community
Ministry of Natural
Resources
Ministere des Richesses
naturelles
~
Ontario
Office of the Minister
Bureau du ministre
Room 6630, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto ON M7A 1W3
Tel: 416-314-2301
Fax: 416-314-2216
~difice Whibley, bureau 6630
99, rue Wellesley Ouest
Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1W3
Tel.: 416-314-2301
Telee.: 416-314-2216
MAY 1 2 200B
Ftt r~~: <<:~~;. fE
~#'i,j MNR3006MC-2008-977
c;,<-~~.
Mrs. S J Heffren
Manager of Administrative Services
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1
MA Y i 5 2008
jC<:f\\ hl"fi ('jIl YN (\\~\~
\,- 'i~' tll J ~ "I. I,,J. 'A ,111.
"'I'~'''''''I''HYI\'Il''. ''''''11'1/+"'('
l'lLli~Af'W:') i f1,'\ i ~~ i~i~_~h J A,i~"~
Dear Mrs. Heffren:
Thank you for advising me of the Town of Milton's resolution regarding rehabilitation
security deposits for aggregate pits and quarries. I regret the delay in responding.
I appreciate having this opportunity to outline some of the Ministry of Natural Resources'
(MNR) activities that are a part of a long-term strategic approach to improving the
rehabilitation of aggregate sites.
Ministry staff have strengthened the focus on rehabilitation during compliance
inspections on aggregate sites, supported by the funding of 17 new positions in 2007.
Field staff are encouraged to use rehabilitation orders, where necessary, to ensure that
the rehabilitation on these sites is in compliance with the Aggregate Resources Act.
As you have noted in your resolution, MNR is also committed to a detailed examination
of the merits of a rehabilitation system. With this in mind, ministry staff are reviewing
other financial incentive systems within the government to determine which ones are
working effectively.
The Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation (TOARC), through the MAAP program,
has undertaken some excellent research work with respect to rehabilitation of pits and
quarries in the creation of alvar communities and species at risk habitat. TOARC has
also renewed its efforts in the rehabilitation of abandoned pits and quarries, raising the
total number of sites rehabilitated to 28-30 per year from 18-20 per year.
The ministry recognizes the important role that TOARC plays with respect to
rehabilitation and is satisfied that this role has been in the public interest. MNR looks
forward to continuing to partner with TOARC and stakeholders like the Ontario Stone,
Sand & Gravel Association to continue to find effective methods of promoting
rehabilitation.
...2
-2-
If you have further questions about rehabilitation within the context of aggregate
resource extraction, please contact Alistair MacKinnon, NSenior Policy Advisor,
Aggregate and Petroleum Resources Section, at (705) 755-1947 or bye-mail at
alistair. mackinnon@ontario.ca.
Again, thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
~d/!a~b:~y
Donna Cansfield
Minister of Natural Resources
c: Alistair MacKinnon,' NSenior Policy Advisor, Aggregate and Petroleum
Resources Section
The Corporation of the Town of Milton
fl ~S ~~::; ~~ ~ \$' ~:[:y
MAY 20 2008
Agricultural Groups
Concerned about
Resources and
the Environment, Inc.
Care "
i"'d U\P'-U ,<',\,-' t;'t f~tP
(,,~h,.H.l! ?: !}1" ~,...\;:'1l~
~'t:t:;tP{\r:~
\i&,lnt~'b;:)
Ontario AgriCentre
Suite 106, 100 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5L3
Tel: (519) 837-1326 Fax: (519) 837-3209
Email: agcare@agcare.org
Web site: www.agcare.org
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Dr.
St. Thomas, ON N5R 5VI
May 9, 2008
Dear Agricultural Advisory Committee/Agricultural Development
Officer/Municipal Clerk,
On behalf of the 45,000 farmers who are members of AGCare, we are
proud to send you our latest information resource on agriculture and
the environment.
AGCare, which stands for Agricultural Groups Concerned About
Resources and the Environment, is a farm organization dedicated to
communicating about environmental issues in agriculture.
We have created this resource to answer the most commonly asked
questions about agriculture and the environment. For more
information, check out www.caringfortheland.com.
We hope you find this resource informative. For more information, or
if you would like multiple copies, please contact Heather Hargrave at
519-837-1326 or heather@ofac.org.
Sincerely,
~
~~
Jackie Fraser
Executive Director, AGCare
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
^ ....,.,.'<<+)!0i&.':stGW$58@iTr:"
189 Elm Street
PO Box 2007
Sf. Thomas, Ontario
N5P 3W2
Phone: (519) 631-2020
Fax: (519) 631-8080
W'Mv.stegh.on.ca
Our vision is to be the Best Community Hospital in Ontario
May 15, 2008
IP'. ",
i"'l' ~',~I.
"",I "1(":'
t "/",
tn~ g',';"'" (1''''',
't\", "'-,Mol \1
:~! (~' r~~J-"' t~pI.J
MAY 20 Z008
Warden Sylvia Hofhuis and
Members of County Council
County of Elgin
Administration Building
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas~ 9N, N 5R 5V1
<if (/''::
Dear Ward~+iofhuis and Members of County Council:
{'/',i i;;l""\} j'1P ,'H ,',"I'd
"ij.i1,'rJ 1" Uf ~;~Lb N
,:\ "\:'1;o<rt;I}'T~')l '\"il H'l ,?,c""'-\'l' -"
ftii'i"h'G. i~" \':i:,li I ",_\-, ~>.~~t.-'. . 'l:t-l,;,~,
.... >...... -~, '~.~I'.",,'.,,','.dl1t,~1~:,;.'J
Thank you so much for attending the Hospital-ity Breakfast meeting that was
recently hosted by the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation. We
greatly appreciate the response that our invitation to attend received and the
opportunity to update Elgin County Councillors on the Hospital's vital role
in our community.
The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is not only a focal point for excellent
patient care, but is an important player in the economic stability and growth of
Elgin County as well. Our presence as the fifth largest employer has a direct
effect on employment spending, housing growth, the attraction of new business
and industry, as well as the retention of citizens. We believe that a healthy
community equals a healthy workforce and are working hard to achieve our
vision, To be the Best Community Hospital in Ontario.
We look forward to working with members of Elgin County Council as redevelop-
ment of the Hospital takes place. If any questions were generated following the
Breakfast meeting, we would be pleased to provide the answers at the earliest
opportunity.
s;'7,rfJ/
~
Paul ol's
President and CEO
PC:jb
R~~I""~I'i./lt=D
~ f!':~ ~y ,,~~~ ~ ~ 1&;
JOHN TORY
Leader of the Ontario PC Party
JUN - 3 Z008
19 Duncan Street
Suite 40"i
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 3H1
(>'1"'II,i'1'1/ fV" r~!' "",I
,t\h.L ~l f vI' ~ )-~lh
A..'IMlNlSTHA lIVE SERVICES
May 27, 2008
Open Letter to Ontario Municipalities
Warden Dave Rock
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
Your Worship,
I'm writing today to inform you that on May 1i\ 2008 the Dalton McGuinty
Government rejected sensible proposals brought forth by the Ontario PC Caucus to
ensure that Bill 35, the so-called "Investing in Ontario Act", truly supported municipal
infrastructure. The McGuinty Government decided to proceed with the Bill that has
raised red flags with the Auditor General and has effectively created another Liberal
slush fund that could be used to fund Liberal-friendly groups rather than municipal
infrastructure as claimed.
The Ontario PC Caucus proposed several amendments to fix the Bill. However, the
McGuinty Government refused to accept any of them. Allow me to give you some
examples:
1. The definition of "eligible recipient" in Bill 35 is so vague and wide-open that
basically any non-profit group in Ontario could qualify for funding according to
the whims of Cabinet. Even the Ontario Cricket Association that infamously
received $1 million when it asked for $150,000 from a previous McGuinty
Liberal slush fund would be eligible for funding under Bill 35. The Ontario PCs
proposed that only municipalities be defined as eligible recipients. However,
Dalton McGuinty rejected that sensible proposal.
2. While the McGuinty Government claims that Bill 35 will help municipalities, Bill
35 does not even mention the words "municipalities", "cities", "towns",
"villages", "infrastructure", "roads", "bridges", "sewers" 01' "water". The
Ontario PC Caucus proposed that funds distributed under Bill 35 could onlv be
used for municipal infrastructure. This proposal was also rejected.
3. Curiously, the McGuinty Government refuses to say what groups or entities will
receive funding under Bill 35 in fiscal year 2008-09 and beyond. The
amendments proposed bv the PC Caucus would have ensured that all allocations
under Bill 35 would be dedicated to municipal infrastructure.
In short, the PC Caucus asked the McGuinty Liberals to put their money where their
mouths are. They refused. If Bill 35 is truly about supporting municipal infrastructure as
they claim, our proposals should have been accepted.
The Ontario PC Caucus believes that there is a better way to support municipal
infrastructure than relying on an unpredictable Liberal slush fund. We also believe that
provincial funding for municipal infrastructure should be planned and earmarked
in the provincial budget rather than be relegated to the back of the pack, dependent
upon a provincial surplus greater than $800 million.
The Ontario PC Caucus voted against Bill 35 because we believe that Ontario
municipalities need long-term, sustainable funding so they can address their
infrastructure challenges. Our belief that Ontario cities deserve sustainable funding is
why in the last election we committed to dedicating every penny raised by the gas tax to
transportation priorities. We also committed to accelerating the Provincial Municipal
Fiscal and Service Delivery Review and then acting on it in this year's budget.
Unfortunately, the McGuinty Government has continued to delay this report and have
made no plans to act on its findings.
The Ontario PC Caucus will continue to fight for long-term and sustainable provincial
funding to support municipalities. I would like to thank you for all the good work you
are doing on behalf of your citizens and we look forward to working with you in the
coming years.
Sincerely,
~~
John Tory
Leader of the Ontario PC Party
~
~m3lI:~
Ontario
Steve Peters, M.P.P.
Elgin - Nliddlesex - London
RECE~\fED
May 30, 2008
JUN - 3 2008
COUNTY OF ELGlt~
A!)MINISTf1,~rIVE SERVICES
Honourable George Smitherman
Miuister of Health & Long-Term Care
lOth Floor, Hepburn Block
80 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, ON M7 A 2C4
Dear Minister:
Please find enclosed a letter and a resolution Warden Sylvia Hofhuis ofthe County of Elgin and a copy ofa
letter you have previously received from Dr. Sharon Baker, Acting Medical of Health with the Elgin-St.
Thomas Health Unit.
Dr. Baker and the County of Elgin have pressing concerns regarding overcrowding at STEGH due to the
increasing number of patients that are waiting for relocation to long-term care facilities. As I have informed
you in a two prior letters, STEGH has been filled to over capacity for over four months and this has caused
significant surgical delays and cancellations, prolonged patient stays in the emergency department and the
resulting burden on patients and staff. Dr. Baker has provided me with an update on the situation and there
are now over 60 patients at STEGH who are waiting for a long-term care placement.
Dr. Baker has additional concerns that this ongoing situation is also negatively affecting the health of those
who are caring for patients waiting for long-term care placements in Elgin County's facilities and
highlights how London Health Sciences Centre is also affecting Elgin County.
The County of Elgin has also invited representatives from Community Care Access Centres to attend a
future County Council meeting to discuss placement of patients residing outside of St. Thomas-Elgin in
local long-term facilities that result in the displacement oflocal patients who often end up in long-term
facilities elsewhere in southwestern Ontario.
Dr. Baker is calling upon the provincial government to immediately create more long-term beds to help
alleviate this situation that she believes has become a "crisis." There are no long-term care beds available at
St. Thomas-Elgin nursing/retirement homes at this time.
Minister, I would appreciate your reviewing these matters and responding directly to Warden Hofhuis and
Dr. Baker. As always, thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
~~
Steve Peters, M.P.P.
Elgin-Middlesex-London
Cc: Warden Sylvia Hofhuis, County of Elgin
Dr. Sharon Bakel', Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, 99 Edward Street, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P IY8
542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P lC4
T ~ (519) 631-0666 Toll free _ 1-800+265-7638 F - (519) 631-9478 TTY - (519) 631-9904 E - spetcrs.mpp.co@libcral.ola.org
\\'W\v.stcvcpeters.cont
CLOSED MEETING AGENDA
JUNE 10. 2008
Staff Reports: (attached)
1) Chief Administrative Officer - Section 240.2 (c) proposed or pending acquisition or
disposition of land by the municipality or local board - Property Matter
2) Chief Administrative Officer - Section 240.2 (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-
client privilege - Water-Sewage Line Agreement
3) Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Section 240.2 (d) labour
relations/employee negotiations - On-Going Negotiations
Correspondence: (attached)
1) Section 240.2 (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before
administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board - Statement of Claim
Administrative Services Department
Administration Building
450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1
Phone: (519) 631-1460 Ext. 156
Fax: (519) 633-7661
County of Elgin
www.elgin-county.on.ca
Fax
To:
Fax:
Phone:
Re:
Warden Hofhuis and
County Councillors
Call Group #3
From:
Mark G. McDonald
mmcdonald@elgin-county.on.ca
June 6, 2008
19 inciuding cover sheet
Additional Items for Council Agenda of
June 10, 2008
Date:
Pages:
cc:
Comments:
DELEGATION: (attached)
9:05 a.m. Sandra Datars Bere, Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin
Ontario Works, re: Child Care Fee Subsidy Resolution for Council Adoption.
Reports of Staff: (attached)
1) Director of Senior Services, Terrace Lodge, and Chief Administrative Officer with Brief to the
Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care: The Long-Term
Care Bed Shortage in Elgin County and the Unintended Consequences of the 1A Crisis
Designation
2) Director of Senior Services, Terrace Lodge re: Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee
Correspondence:
Items for Information (Consent A~enda) - (attached)
1) Lord and Lady Elgin, thanking the County for the warm reception they received during their
recent visit.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS FACSIMILE IS FOR THE NAMED RECIPIENT ONLY. IT MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRMLEGED,
CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT, OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR
COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, OR THERE
ARE PROBLEMS IN TRANSMISSION, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONE.
ST. THOMAS
ST. THOMAS - ELGIN
ONTARIO WORKS
423 Talbot street
Sf. Thomas, Ontario
N5P lCl
TIlliCORPORA.TI{J,,~ OfTIlR OlYOF
IReport No. OWEcos-osl
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Sandra Datars Bere, Director
st. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works
MEETING DATE:
June 10, 2008
SUBJECT:
Child Care Fee Subsidy Resolution for Council Adoption
Recommendation:
THAT: Report OWEC08-08 is received as information.
THAT: The Council of the County of Elgin receive a copy of the resolution passed by the
Council of the City of st. Thomas at its meeting on June 2, 2008. The resolution is as
follows:
Whereas quality child care and early learning services are essential for communities, forthe
betterment of children and families; and
Whereas consistent access to subsidies to assist families with the costs of quality child care
and early learning services is necessary to support families, thus enhancing their
independence, self-reliance, community contribution and opportunities to maintain
employment.
BE IT RESOL VED, that the City of St. Thomas, as the Consolidated Municipal Service
Manager (CMSM) on behalf of the City of St. Thomas and the County of Elgin request
that the provincial government provide additional child care fee subsidy funding to
provide for all families in need;
THAT: The Council of the County of Elgin adopt this resolution.
Backqround:
As reported to County Council in Report OWEC05-08, income-testing processes were implemented
in January 2007 as the mechanism to determine eligibility for child care fee subsidy. Since
implementation, there has been a steady increase in the number of parents who qualify as well as a
resulting increase in the amount of subsidy being allocated. In February 2008, the department
implemented its Wait List Management Protocol, one of a growing number of municipalities also
required to do so. As of June 3, 2008, there are currently 54 children and 31 families on the waiting
list for child care subsidy. The waiting list has grown since that the last report to council and is
expected to continue to grow throughout 2008.
Report:
As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM) for child care services in the City of St.
Thomas and throughout the County of Elgin, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works administers child
care services on behalf of the province through an 80%-20% cost share agreement. The 20%
municipal share is further cost shared, through a 33%-67% cost share agreement with the County of
Elgin. As per the approved 2008 operating budget, the total child care subsidy allocations available
through the county, across all child care program areas is $2,674,429. At this point, however, total
child care subsidy funds available do not meet the needs of those within our community who are
eligible.
Since the presentation of Report OWEC05-08 to County Council in May 2008, the OW Department
has been advised by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) that additional funding will
be made available to the community to support child care activities through the Best Start Funding
initiative. Although the exact amount of these funds has not been finalized, pending further service
contract negotiations with MCYS, it is expected that some of these funds may be used to provide
child care fee subsidy to families currently on the waiting list.
While the additional funding from MCYS is appreciated, it is being provided on a fiscal basis only,
with no guarantee that additional funds will be provided in 2009. As a result, it is likely that there will
continue to be families who are deemed eligible for subsidy, but because of limited funds, will be
placed on the waiting list, unless additional child care subsidy funds are made available.
For this reason, Council's support in adopting the following resolution passed by the Council of the
City of St. Thomas, is requested:
Whereas quality child care and early learning services are essential for communities, forthe
betterment of children and families; and
Whereas consistent access to subsidies to assist families with the costs of quality child care
and early learning services is necessary to support families, thus enhancing their
independence, self-reliance, community contribution and opportunities to maintain
employment.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of St. Thomas, as the Consolidated Municipal Service
Manager (CMSM) on behalf of the City of St. Thomas and the County of Elgin requestthatthe
provincial government provide additional child care fee subsidy funding to provide for all
families in need.
As a note for County Council members, the Council of the City of St. Thomas has forwarded a copy
of the adopted resolution to the Minister of Children and Youth Services as well as the local Member
of Provincial Parliament. County Council may wish to consider this action as well.
2
"DRAFT'
THE LONG-TERM CARE BED SHORTAGE IN ELGIN
AND THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF THE 1A CRISIS
DESIGNATION
A BRIEF TO THE HONOURABLE GEORGE SMITHERMAN, MINISTER
OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE FOR ONTARIO
JUNE 5, 2008
SUBMITTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN
-1-
DEAR MINISTER:
AS YOU ARE NO DOUBT AWARE, PROLONGED WAIT TIMES FOR
ADMISSION TO LONG-TERM CARE HOMES HAS BEEN A LONG-
STANDING ISSUE FOR MANY COMMUNITIES. RECENTLY THE 1A
DESIGNATION AT THE LONDON HEALTH SCIENCE CENTRE HAS HAD
THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE OF EXACERBATING AN ALREADY
DIRE SITUATION, JEOPARDIZING THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF
THE CITIZENS OF ELGIN COUNTY.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS BRIEF IS TO UNDERSCORE THE NEGATIVE
RIPPLE AFFECT OF IMPLEMENTING THE 1A DESIGNATION
(UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES) AND TO SUGGEST WAYS OF
ADDRESSING THE LONG-TERM CARE BED CRISIS.
FIRST OF ALL, THE COUNTY OF ELGIN APPLAUDS YOUR
GOVERNMENT'S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE
INJECTION OF $22 MILLION TO HELP ADDRESS ALTERNATIVE LEVEL OF
CARE (ALC) PRESSURES AND YOUR AGING IN PLACE INITIATIVE.
THESE ARE POSITIVE STEPS TOWARDS ADDRESSING THE SYSTEMIC
PROBLEM OF DEMAND EXCEEDING SUPPLY.
-2-
IN ELGIN COUNTY FOR EXAMPLE, OUR 90 BED LONG-TERM CARE
HOME KNOWN AS ELGIN MANOR HAS A CURRENT LIST OF OVER
115 RESIDENTS AWAITING PLACEMENT. FURTHERMORE, THE ST.
THOMAS-ELGIN GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS SOME 60 PATIENTS
OCCUPYING ACUTE CARE BEDS WHILE THE LONG-TERM CARE BED
SHORTAGE IS BEING EXAMINED.
THE ATTACHED LETTER FROM DR. SHARON BAKER, ACTING
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR ELGIN AND ST. THOMAS,
PROVIDES A CLEAR AND CONCISE EXPLANATION OF THE
NEGATIVE AND PERHAPS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF
UTILIZING THE 1A CRISIS DESIGNATION. IN SHORT, THE 1A
DESIGNATION: DEPRIVES ELGIN-ST. THOMAS RESIDENTS OF
LONG-TERM CARE PLACEMENT BY PROLONGING ALREADY LONG
WAIT TIMES; JEOPARDIZES THE HEALTH OF THOSE REQUIRING
LONG-TERM CARE BY POSTPONING MEDICAL, NURSING,
NUTRITION AND OTHER CARE REQUIREMENTS WHILE AWAITING
PLACEMENT; AND TENDS TO EXACERBATE THE PROBLEM OF AN
OVERTAXED ACUTE CARE SYSTEM RATHER THAN PROVIDING
RELIEF.
-3-
ADDITIONALLY, WE SUBMIT THAT THE SCREENING TOOL USED TO
DETERMINE ALC CANDIDATES IS FLAWED IN THAT IT HAS ALLOWED
PATIENTS TO TRANSFER TO OUR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES,
PATIENTS THAT, AS IT TURNED OUT, COULD HAVE STAYED AT
THEIR OWN PERSONAL RESIDENCE WITH VERY LITTLE CARE
SUPPORT REQUIRED.
GIVEN THE SIGNIFICANT MUNICIPAL LEVY CONTRIBUTION
REQUIRED TO OPERATE LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES, A
PROVINCIALLY IMPOSED 1A DESIGNATION IS ALSO DEEMED
UNFAIR AND INAPPROPRIATE. THE PROVINCE SHOULD
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNIFICANT MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE
COST OF OPERATIONS, YET IT MAY UNILATERALLY TRUMP' LOCAL
DECISION-MAKING BY DECLARING THE 1A CRISIS WITHOUT
MUNICIPAL CONSULTATION. IN ELGIN, FOR EXAMPLE, THE
MUNICIPAL TAX LEVY AMOUNTS TO $4.7 MILLION (2008 FIGURE)
OVER AND ABOVE THE PROVINCIAL AND RESIDENT CO-PAYMENT
ALLOCATION. SHOULDN'T THE MUNICIPALITIES, WHOSE
RESIDENTS ARE DIRECTLY AFFECTED AND HAVE DIRECTLY
CONTRIBUTED TO THE FACILITY, BE CONSULTED PRIOR TO
UNILATERAL DESIGNATION?
-4-
IN CONCLUSION, THE FACTS, MR. MINISTER, ARE CLEAR: THE
PERCENTAGE OF THE AGING POPULATION WHO WILL REQUIRE
LONG-TERM CARE CONTINUES TO GROW; AN ADEQUATE NUMBER
OF BEDS IS NOT AVAILABLE; HOSPITAL SYSTEMS WILL CONTINUE
TO EXPERIENCE BED SHORTAGE CRISES; AND RESIDENTS WILL
CONTINUE TO BE DISPLACED FROM THEIR COMMUNITIES UNLESS
THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL LONG-TERM CARE BEDS IS
ADDRESSED.
AGAINST THIS BACKDROP, THE COUNTY OF ELGIN ASKS YOU TO
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) INCREASE FUNDING AND ALLOCATE MORE BED SPACES TO
AREAS THAT ARE CLEARLY UNDER-BEDDED
2) BE FAIR BY MAKING 1A CRISIS DESIGNATIONS IN
CONSULTATION WITH YOUR MUNICIPAL PARTNERS AND
UNDERSTAND THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF SAID
DESIGNATION, PARTICULARLY ITS NEGATIVE RIPPLE EFFECTS
3) DEVELOP LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS TO A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM
TO AVOID CRISIS MANAGEMENT
-5-
4) CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ALL APPLICATIONS
FOR ALTERNATIVE LEVEL OF CARE TO ENSURE THAT EACH
CANDIDATE IS TRULY IN NEED OF EMERGENCY ADMISSION.
WE THANK YOU MR. MINISTER FOR CONSIDERING OUR POSITION
ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.
ELGIN ST. THOMAS
PUBLIC HEALTH
April 24, 2008
Honourable Steve Peters
542 Talbot St
St. Thomas ON
N5P 1 C4
11'''''' 'f/;,'" ~'''' 1f"~ ~ ~ !! ~'"'. if,','"
~;:'~{t;;t 1\,~jl t~~~ ~ If' ~a: U~)
APR 2 3 2008
Dear Mr, Peters:
"',' [1"'1'"' " '0 P" "-,,
,~,;tJt..n~ ~. VI" &:i.biN
b ly/gp,l'PTl:' 1\ -IIii'"' \"n\\i'Ii".'"
H1Jn;-~~~;~.IliU-~" -;t~,je.{~", vt~;j}
Prolonged wait times for admission to long term care facilities is posing a serious
risk for the health and safety of the citizens of Elgin County, As the Acting
Medical Officer of Health for this county, I believe this is a serious public health
issue. I urge you to improve long term care access and funding to ensure that
vulnerable residents of this county can receive the services they require and
deserve.
People waiting in their home for admission to long term care facilities are in a
potentially dangerous situation. They may not be receiving care such as nursing
care, medical care, wound care, physiotherapy, nutrition or stimulation that is
necessary to maintain or improve their health status, This makes them more
likely to suffer an illness or injury that requires admission to an acute care facility
such as the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
The family members and loved ones caring for a person waiting for a long term
care placement are also at risk, The work involved in providing care can be both
physically demanding and emotionally draining. In addition, caregivers often are
unable to take the time to go to their physicians to get their own health needs
met. For these reasons it is not unusual to find that it is the caregiver that is
admitted to the hospital with a stroke, heart attack or other potentially
preventable illness or injury.
When the caregiver of a person waiting at home for placement becomes ill, it
often results in both people needing hospital care, Utilizing acute care beds for
the care of persons best managed by other services has created a problem at Sl.
Thomas Elgin General Hospital that is nothing short of a crisis. This past season
the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital has seen a record number of such
patients, Currently there are over 60 patients admitted to this hospital who are
waiting for a long term care placement.
",,~;l~~~~~~~~~~-~::~~"lt~~~~~illIff~~~E~12~~""X~'-==
ElgIn St. Thomas Public Health
99 Edward Street, St. Thomas, ON N5p 1 Y8
Phone: 519-631-9900 Toll Free: 1-800-922-0096 Fax: 519-633-0468 Volcemall: 519-631-3159
www.elginhealth.on.ca
Hon. Steve Peters
April 24, 2008
Page 2
An acute care hospital is not the appropriate place for such patients. They
cannot receive the stimulation and socialization they require for good mental and
physical health. While the Complex Continuing Care Centre area of the hospital
is a better alternative, there are not nearly enough beds in that unit to meet the
staggering needs.
The situation was made more complicated when London Health Science Centre
(LHSC) was given 1A designation by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
This means that the patients in LHSC that are awaiting placement in a long term
care facility have priority for beds located within a radius that includes Elgin
County. Therefore, the patients at LHSC have priority over Elgin County
residents for placement in long term care beds in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
This is not based on the need of the patients requiring a long term care bed or
the length of time they have been waiting in hospital. This puts Elgin County
residents and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital patients at risk.
Further, a number of the long term facilities in St. Thomas and Elgin County,
including Valleyview, Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge are publicly
funded and paid for by St. Thomas and Elgin County tax payers. Our citizens do
not even have priority to access the long term care facilities that they have
helped pay for.
The in-hospital wait for long term care beds at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
puts the health of all the citizens of Elgin County at risk. The increased time that
patients in the Emergency Department spend waiting for a bed in the hospital
increases the time other Emergency Department patients wait for service. There
is also great pressure to discharge people from hospital very quickly due to the
bed shortage. Today, in fact, important surgeries have had to be delayed or
cancelled due to the shortage of beds. Thus, wait times for admission to long
term care is posing a serious risk for the health and safety of all residents of Elgin
County. This crisis needs to be addressed promptly.
We need more long term care beds and improved access to the ones we
currently have. While enhancing in-home services is important, it will not replace
the need for 24 hour care that is provided at long term care facilities.
~~~ '__'-=-W.,Wl.~:JJ~::l' ~- ~ -~~~~~==-..'==-""='~.~__ .:':"
Hon. Steve Peters
April 24, 2008
Page 3
Long term care facilities are an important component of health. They need the
attention and funding to ensure that they are accessible and can proVide the
quality of care that our citizens need and deserve.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
.~-'I- '13vJiU-~
Dr. Sharon Baker
Acting Medical Officer of Health
cc. Minister George Smitherman
B~~m9f.~~~lth Elgin St. Thomas Public Health
GountyGouncil'
City Council
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Board of Directors
LHIN 2
SB:vom
~~~~~~;;~~~7~~--~'&>:~~-==-==~__ __."'
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
From: Rhonda L. Roberts, Director of Senior Services-TL
Date: June 6, 2008
Subject: Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee
CORPORATE GOALS:
To provide innovative and collaborative quality service
To recognize and seize opportunity for improvement.
INTRODUCTION:
The Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee provides support and services to
individuals and agencies to address issues of elder abuse within the County of
Elgin.
DISCUSSION:
The Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee has requested use of office area
one day per week for 18 months at Terrace Lodge. The reason for this request
stems from a recent grant awarded by New Horizons and Trillium Foundation
funding to develop a Senior Support program. A Support Worker has been hired
three days per week to provide services to East, West and Central Elgin.
Community partners have provided an in-kind donation through the use of office
space. However the Committee is trying to obtain space in the Eastern part of
the County, so that the Coordinator can more readily access senior members of
these communities.
Office space is available at Terrace Lodge and as the Committee has indicated,
there would be no need for computer or phone access. There would be no cost
to the County and the services would be of great benefit to individuals within the
community.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT County Council approve the provIsion of an in-kind donation of office
space one day per week for 18 months at Terrace Lodge for use by the Elgin
Elder Abuse Resource Committee Coordinator; and,
2
THAT an agreement for use of this office space be prepared for signature by the
Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer and all necessary insurance
certificates are obtained prior to signing.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved for Submission
~~~~
honda L. Ro s
Director of Senior Services, TL
Mark c9on~
Chief Administrative cer
05/05/2008 18:05
5197582548
WEST ELGIN CHC
PAGE 02
ELGIN ELDER ABUSE
Committee
r
I c~~esource
\ C),)
~,;~:::~"",,,,.:.:::.~:,,.;..'
June 5, 2008
Warden Sylvia Hofbuis,
Councll of the County of Elgin,
450 Sunset Dr.,
St. Thomas, ON
Dear Warden Hofllllis,
This letter is written on behalf of the Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee. Weare a
coalition of individuals and agencies who have been working together for over 10 years
to address issues of elder abuse within the County of Elgin. (See attached member list).
Recently our Committee received New Horizons and Trillium funding to develop a
Senior Support program. This has resulted in us being able to hire a Seniors Support
Coordinator for a contract period of 18 months, and this person is now on the job. Ms.
Tobi Maniacco works for our Program 3 days a week: one day in westem Elgin, one day
in St Thomas and surrounding area, and one day in Aylmer/eastern Elgin. Her role is to
coordinate activities relatlng to Senior Citizens' issues, with an emphasis on Elder Abuse,
She will provide support by responding to calls from seniors, police, service agencies,
support agencies, and the general public regarding non-criminal and criminal
occurrences, and she will provide advice, support and education to clients, community
members, service providers and professionalS working with seniors, recommending
appropriate referrals as required.
Through the in-kind donation of office space from two of our Committee partners, West
Elgin Community Health Centre in West Lome, and Victims Services Elgin in St
Thomas, we have been able to obtain work space for the Coordinator in their respective
offices. However we are trying to obtain space in the Eastern part of the county, so that
our Coordinator can more readily access senior members of these communities. We hope
that Terrace Lodge will be able to provide an in-kind donation of office space for our
Coordinator.
Ms Maniacco would require a small office space one day per week. Much of her work is
in the community and while it would be nice to have an accessible office space for
seniors to come and meet with her, her work could be managed without this if needed.
We do not anticipate that any direct support or costs would be incun'ed by your
organization. The Elder Abuse Resource Committee has provided a cell phone, laptop
1
Received Time Jun. 5. 2008 6:05PM No. 0524
05/05/2008 18:05
5197582548
WEST ELGIN CHC
PAGE 03
computer and supplies so your telephone service will not be used. Internet access would
not be required at thi s time.
We at the Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee would be most grateful if you would
consider our request to provide a work space for Ms. Man.iacco one day a week to
facilitate our services to the senior population of eastern Elgin. We can be fleJ<ible with
scheduling this day, to fit your operational requirements. As mentioned this is at present
an 18 month contract position, but our long-range goal is to develop sustainabllity
measures that will ensure an ongoing Senior Support program into the future.
We appreciate your support of this Senior Support Program and we look forward to
hearing baek from you regarding this request. We believe our work will compliment
your own in helping to provide a safe, effective resource for the senior citizens of Elgin
County.
Please feel free to contact me at my place of work noted below, if you have any
questions.
Y":d!rZ-
Bonnie Rowe, Chair
Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee, and
Community Health Services Manager,
West Elgin Community Health Centre
153 Main St., Box 761
West Lome, ON, NOL 2PO
519-768-1715 ext 2208
proweCiUwechc.on.ca
CC. Rhonda Roberts
2
Received Time Jun, 5. 2008 6:05PM No. 0524
05/05/2008 18:05
5197582548
Elgin Elder Abuse Resource
Committee
Membership List
May,2008
Margaret Bell
Plains Baptist Church
Tracey Bell
Bilingual Client Services Advisor
Service Ontario
Ministry of Government Services
Shirley Biro
East Elgin Family Health Team
Elizabeth Carere
VON, Middlesex-ElgIn Branch
Natalie Champagne
Regional Program Consultant
Ministry of the Attorney General
Ontario Victim Services Secretariat
Paula Cousins, Nurse Practitioner
West Elgin Community Health Centre
Amy Dale
Gunn & Associates
Elena Dempsey
OxfordlElgin Legal. Clinic,
Liz Doerksen
Bank of Montreal, East End Branch,
Nancy Downard
Southwest CCAC - St. Thomas office
.Jami Finlay
Alzheimer Society of Elgin- St. Thomas
Mike l"rycr,
St. Joseph's Health Care
Received Time Jun, 5, 2008 6:05PM No. 0524
WEST ELGIN CHC
PAGE 04
Linda Holmes
Elgin & St.Thomas Housing Corporation
Kelly Hoogstra
Canadian Mental Health Association
Jo-ann llutchison
Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion
Deana Johnson
Elder Abuse Strategy
Council on Aging
Kate Kent
Alzheimer Society of Elgin- St. Thomas
Kathy Kinsella
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
Nancy Klassen
Mennonite Central Committee
Lori Lackey
Metcalfe Gardens
Jim Malik
Elgin St. Thomas EMS
Tobi Maniacco
Senior Support Coordinator/Seniors
Therapist
Karen McCaw
Victim Services Elgin
Barb Modesto
Southwest CCAC - St. Thomas office
Kathy Nesbitt
Elgin St. Thomas Public Health
Anders Nielson
St. Thomas Police Services
Rbonda Roberts
Terrace Lodge
I
06/05/2008 18:05
5197682548
Bonnie Rowe
West Elgin Community Health Centre
Bill Todd,
St. Thomas Fire Department
Brian Leverton
S1. Thomas Fire Department
Marilyn Main
Violence Against Women
Bev Walpole
Elgin S1. Thomas Public Health
Dorothy Wilson,
Community member, press reporter
Rick Vanbussel
Elgin County OPP
Received Time Jun, 5, 2008 6:05PM No, 0524
WEST ELGIN CHC
PAGE 05
2
BROOMHALL - DUNFERMLINE
FIFE - KYIl 3DU
Tel: 01383 872222
Fax: 01383 - 872904
Our Ref 27
30th May, 2008.
Warden Sylvia Hofhuis,
Office of the Warden,
450 Sunset Drive,
ST. THOMAS,
Ontario N5R 5Vl,
Canada.
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It is most remiss of me not to have written but the memory of such a lovely day in
Elgin County will never he forgotten. I have been a visitor, of course, to your headquarters on
several previous occasions (md then, of course there was the great Ontario Ploughing Match
some years ago, when the Chairman inadvertently, in closing his welcoming speech, said "and
welcome to Kent County." As I was sitting next to him, I got him by the throat with my
walking stick and severely corrected his geography. Unfortunately, this scene was picked up
by the television cameras and was replayed throughout the entire week, so you will see I have
had to take defensive measures on your behalf
The Incredible Elgin posters are also much appreciated and I, once again, sent you all
my warmest good wishes and thanks and Lady Elgin joins me in these felicitations.
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The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine. KT.